As a business IPCortex is going through a unique phase in its history. Since the milestone acquisition of the company back in March 2019 and the appointment of experienced Managing Director Glyn Thomas, IPCortex have been laying the foundation for business growth. Chris joins us to look to the future and help our partners in achieving growth through a true partnership.
Get to know Chris more below as he was asked several questions.
Name: Chris Bates
Job title: Channel Account Manager
Previous role:
UK&I Channel Manager – IT & Communication Services, Ricoh UK – Providing professional and consultancy services to IT, VAR and MSP partners.
Top achievement at previous role:
I created a new sales channel for Ricoh in the UK, where they had already a proven track record to direct customers. In just over 2 ½ years in the role, I grew the channel from zero to just shy of £2m in the closing financial year.
During this time, I added net new partners who qualified within Ricoh’s top 10 annual spenders across all lines of business, but I’m particularly proud of the journey; I was able to help a number of the traditional Ricoh resellers pivot from traditional Print and Copy into Digital Transformation, working with a number of them to write entire new business strategies.
What key skills do you bring to IPCortex?
Technical would be a stretch as it took me a week to master the coffee machine, but I’m a believer in the bi-directional nature of channel management. We can’t exist without our partners and my focus is on how we can bring the best of IPCortex to them, helping them grow.
Best characteristic?
Pragmatism. I think it’s essential in a channel role.
How have your first few weeks at IPCortex been?
Intense. Although I come from a very technical world, comms is entirely new to me so on top of learning about our fantastic product, I’m having to quickly learn a whole new language.
What has been the best thing about IPCortex so far?
The people. The people behind the lines here at IPC are unsung heroes. Incredibly talented, very intelligent and passionate believers in our products and our customers, it’s inspirational.
What do you hope to achieve in year 1?
It’s my humble belief, that what we are doing here is disruptive. We have some great developments to our platforms in the pipeline. My goal for the next 12 months, is to ensure every one of our partners knows what makes IPCortex such an exciting proposition for the future.
What message would you like to share with partners?
We are on the cusp of an exciting launch of updates, upgrades and products but we need your input too. I intend to get to know you all over the next few months to run through our development plans and aspirations, so we can understand what’s closest to your end user’s hearts so we can help you, deliver more.
Favourite memory over the last 5 years?
I have a beautiful wife and two wonderful children that amaze me every day, so I would definitely have to say watching Liverpool win the Champions League last year.
If you had a superpower what would it be?
Resisting pizza.
If you were an Avenger which one would you be?
Most likely Thor, I’ve been told we’re physically very similar.
Favourite sports team?
My Marketing Manager has said I can’t say Liverpool. So, Liverpool.
Favourite sports team memory?
I was thinking about all the England and Liverpool games I’ve watched but, my 8 year old daughter recently started playing football for her school team. She’s not the most self confident child and around 3 weeks ago, she was awarded the man of the match trophy. I wouldn’t trade the memory of her face when she was given that, for anything.
Favourite movie and why?
Star Wars, Episode VI. Han shot first.
